Nigerian table tennis player Olajide Omotayo, 29, is set to make his mark at the Paris Olympics, declaring himself a serious contender for the games.
After his debut in Tokyo 2020, Omotayo is approaching his second Olympic appearance with renewed determination and focus.
“The last time, I was a contender even for the fact that I was having tears of joy while I was playing. This time around, it is time for business,” Omotayo stated, highlighting his evolution from an emotional debutant to a focused competitor.
The significance of this opportunity is not lost on him. “My second appearance at the Olympics means a lot to me,” he shared. “It is not easy to qualify from Africa, which was quite difficult many years ago. We have so many good players in Africa now, and I was able to qualify.”
Omotayo’s journey to Paris wasn’t without challenges. He explained, “Looking at the ranking system, it affected me about a year ago. My ranking dropped significantly, and I wasn’t sure if I would be part of the second pick for Team Nigeria. But thankfully, I reclaimed my spot and qualified for the Rwanda qualifications. This opportunity means a lot to me.”
His experience in the French league has prepared him well for the Paris atmosphere. “I’m used to the people there; they love table tennis,” he said. “I’ll have a lot of French friends turning up to support me. My expectations are very high—I’m going there to give my best, fight for my name, and prove that I have what it takes.”
Omotayo emphasized the unique nature of the Olympic Games: “We cannot compare the Olympics to any other games. It was made to unite nations, and every athlete’s dream is to be at the Olympics and win a medal. The Olympics is one of a kind.”
Despite being hailed as a rising star, Omotayo remains grounded. “I won’t let praises from anyone get into my head,” he asserted. “I have a lot to achieve, and I keep my eyes on the prize.”
